And just what do they mean by you have 3 ( bands ) in your spinal fluid ?

And just what do they mean by you have 3 ( bands ) in your spinal fluid ?

Hi everyone,

Well after a four year wait the words were finally said to me "you have MS" over the phone can you believe it? I guess it would have been harder if it were in a Dr. office because I had a major meltdown. Not sure if it was relief? finally? that I wasn't going crazy and there really is something going on with me or? FEAR !!! They told me that my LP showed 3 bands which is what they see in a positive MS diagnosis. Is the number 3 high? is it quite normal? Im just so lost right now. I go next week to met with the MS specialist and start discussing treatment. My LP was tramatic, in some ways I would have been mad if they would have said it was clear. I know something is wrong with me and I am at that point where I will do anything for treatment to slow this monster down. My last relapse has been horrible. If you know anything about ( bands) or have a link please send to me?

Re: And just what do they mean by you have 3 ( bands ) in your spinal fluid ?

I don't know anything about bands because I'm one of those that was "bandless" and was dx'd based on everything ELSE. ?Congratulations? on your long in coming diagnosis. Now you know and you are part of the "club" for some of us, the dx doesn't change anything but changes everything for we just wanted to feel like we weren't crazy.

Re: And just what do they mean by you have 3 ( bands ) in your spinal fluid ?

My LP was always normal, so I could not tell you. The neurologist looks for OLIGOCLONAL bands which are abnormal immune proteins called immunoglobulins. These are present in about 90% of MS patients. Hope this helps!